A recent statement from Alistair McFarlane, head of Facepunch Studios, has reignited discussions surrounding the potential revival of the canceled Amazon MMO, New World. In a light-hearted manner, McFarlane made an offer for the rights to the MMORPG, subsequently revealing that he is entering into a non-disclosure agreement with an “unnamed company.” This development has left the gaming community buzzing with speculation, although McFarlane has urged caution, advising fans to maintain “low expectations” for the time being.
Community Engagement and Future Possibilities
McFarlane recently stirred excitement among the New World community when he jokingly tagged Amazon Games on X, stating, “25m, final offer,” during a conversation about the planned shutdown of the New World: Aeternum servers in January 2027. He emphasized his belief that “games should never die,” suggesting that if a deal were to materialize, he would aim to “empower the community” by allowing public server hosting. His vision is clear: a game can thrive indefinitely when nurtured by a dedicated player base.
In a follow-up on LinkedIn, McFarlane reflected on how a simple joke escalated into a broader dialogue, expressing gratitude for the support he received from both current and former Amazon Games staff. He noted, “Sometimes a joke just opens the door to a bigger conversation, or new ventures?”
McFarlane’s affection for New World is palpable. He remarked, “It had a rough start to life, and in my view, didn’t receive the long-term support it could and should have. It had true momentum for a while to be a true evergreen game.” The enthusiastic response from the community indicates that the passion for New World remains strong, suggesting that the title may still have untapped potential.
Facepunch Studios, known for its successful title Rust, has a philosophy centered around community engagement. McFarlane stated, “We want to work with games and studios we genuinely love, and we believe strongly in supporting communities and the people behind them. We’ll always be community first.” This approach has proven effective, as Rust continues to attract hundreds of thousands of players daily, nearly a decade after its launch.
In his latest communication, McFarlane confirmed the signing of a mutual non-disclosure agreement with the unnamed company, indicating that any future discussions will remain confidential. He clarified, “That just means any discussions going forward stay private, which is standard and expected. Nothing more than that. No deals, no announcements, just conversations. Keep hope, but have low expectations.”
While the identity of the unnamed company remains undisclosed, speculation suggests that Amazon Games could be the most likely candidate, especially given McFarlane’s previous hints and playful engagement with the community. However, he is keen to temper expectations, emphasizing that the current situation is still shrouded in uncertainty. With the recent unexpected revival of Hytale after its cancellation by Riot Games, the gaming landscape is unpredictable, leaving room for possibilities, albeit with numerous factors to consider before any definitive outcomes can be drawn regarding New World’s future.
